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Dragons seal first playoff win since '03

Posted: Saturday, November 17, 2007

JEFFERSON - Making the postseason hasn't been a problem for Jefferson in recent history.

Advancing past the first round has been a different story.

That changed Friday night at Memorial Stadium as the Dragons fended off a pesky Bowdon team with a 24-13 victory. Jefferson travels to Warren County next Friday for a meeting with the Screaming Devils.

The Red Devils played much better than their 3-7 record, but just didn't have enough to beat the Dragons.

Tyler Hill was the workhorse for the Jefferson offense, carrying the ball 28 times for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Josh Bohanan also completed nine passes for 117 yards and a touchdown.

"To tell you the truth, it wasn't all me," Hill said. "The offensive line did a great job opening up holes for me, all I did was run through them."

The Dragons' weapon of choice was a simple zone run to Hill out of the shotgun formation. That play was run several times, including both of Hill's touchdown runs.

"We have run that play all year," said Jefferson coach Bill Navas. "We run it out of the shotgun because it gives Tyler a little more time to cut and find the hole."

Despite Hill's impressive numbers on the day, it took the senior and the rest of the Dragon offense a while to get warmed up on a frigid night. Hill had just 31 rushing yards at halftime, and Bowdon led the game 7-6.

After Hill opened the second half with a 25-yard touchdown run to give Jefferson the lead, Bowdon put together an impressive drive that ended with a Jordon Loveless touchdown that put the Red Devils ahead, 13-12. However, Jefferson's offense was not about to let their team fail to win a playoff game for the fourth straight year. The Dragons marched 53 yards over 5:26, and Zac Crosby took a handoff from the slot and into the end zone from 8 yards out to give Jefferson a lead it never relinquished.

Bowdon marched down the field midway through the fourth quarter, but the Jefferson defense turned them away. Facing fourth-and-2, Bowdon quarterback Will Young was tackled by a swarm of Dragons shy of the first down. Jefferson's defense was strong, falling victim to a couple of big plays. Linebacker Mack Rakestraw led the Dragons' defense with nine tackles, including two for loss.

"Our defense came out and made some big plays for us," Navas said. "They played great, and they're a big reason we won this game."

The Dragons make their second trip to Warrenton, where they will face a Warren County team that already beat them 40-28.

"They beat us last time, so maybe they'll be a little big-headed or we'll be a little more jacked up to play them," Navas said.

"Regardless, we're happy to be in the Sweet 16 and to be practicing on Thanksgiving Day."

Turning Point: With Bowdon driving for a go-ahead score late in the 4th quarter, the Jefferson stuffed the Red Devils on 4th -and-2 to regain possession and seal the win.

Key Stat: Tyler Hill's 166 yards on 28 carries moved the chains for the Dragons all night, while keeping Bowdon's offense off the field.

Impact: The Dragons will now travel to Warren County for a second-round meeting with the Screaming Devils.

Game report

 TURNING POINT: With Bowdon driving for a go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter, Jefferson stuffed the Red Devils on fourth-and-2.

 KEY STAT: Tyler Hill's 166 yards on 28 carries moved the chains for the Dragons all night, while keeping Bowdon's offense off the field.

 IMPACT: The Dragons now travel to Warren County for a second-round meeting with the Screaming Devils.